Last Blog of 2009

I am sitting here, Bear at my feet, dirty dishes piled in the sink from a great gathering with friends. I am in Utah, snow is drifting by my window, the mountain range beyond, Europa playing on the ipod. Life is full and so I take this moment to mark the end of the year.

For me I hope to grow more in my spirituality, to constantly reach out and to remember family is whoever we love. I have learned through my own experiences this year that life is not always a straight path , and what we once believed to be just so, may not always be that way. We have to be open to lifes' experiences. They are only a true mistake if we don't learn from them, if we don't come away more compassionate and less judgemental. Lets welcome all types of different people that open their hearts to us, and lets love this earth with the best intentions and love we give to our own. For we need her to continue to be strong for them and the generations to be.

I truly wish from my heart - that your hearts are filled with love, your face light in the glow of the moment. That your stomach truly HURTS a few times this year from giggling so much you couldn't stop. May you in live in the moment and know when you are truly happy. To mindfulness my friends, and for caring and loving each other every step of our lives. We are blessed if we are loved. xo ginny

Jenna's Journey

This is a post written by Jenna, my niece, in her words only. If you haven't read the first posting of Jenna's Journey please read it first, it is dated August 17th.

When I began this journey I was in such a low place, not only physically, but emotionally and spiritually. When someone so close to you dies all you want to do is die right there with them, but you realize rather quickly that you don't die, you actually keep waking up. At that point I realized I needed to change who I had become, so I would not lose what good I still had. Most days I was so numb to positive things in my life, I didn't want to feel good. It's hard to feel grateful when you are experiencing so much pain.

However since I had to keep waking up, I thought I better pull myself together.

Putting my health first was something I had not done for awhile. My Aunt, Ginny Simon was great at helping me take the first steps: she put me in contact with so many great people who are now an integral part of my team. Her knowledge of organic foods, nutrients, and fitness has been so helpful in keeping me on track and informed of what I put into my body. I always look forward to what other little tip or secret she has hidden up her sleeve in my quest for living mindfully.

Throughout my journey I have set little goals for myself to keep me on track. A big goal of mine was to attend a yoga retreat in Tuscany with Fred Busch. I would never have dreamed this would be something I could do, but I decided I was going to put myself out there and take a risk. I started practicing yoga in July and wanted to be on a level where I could not only go through the motions of the class, but where I could actually feel the bliss of being in the moment with my body and breathing, by the time I would leave in November for the retreat. Yoga has truly become an activity that I enjoy and look forward to. I love that each time I practice I feel as if I had the most intense workout, but yet at the same time was completely calm and peaceful.

I did not really know what to expect on this yoga retreat. What I did know was I was in for a real adventure. The retreat really surprised me; I truly understood for the first time that pain is temporary. You have to stick with it, keep your head straight and realize the pain will end. As soon as I finished each hike or yoga class, I was so happy I finished it, and I was still alive and breathing! At the end of this retreat I felt like I was physically lighter, but emotionally fuller. My light clicked on and for the first time in a long time I felt an excitement for the future and a sense of pride in myself.

Being home I have continued my journey headstrong. I have an amazing trainer Damian at the Workout Spot in Coconut Grove. I attend his spinning classes twice a week and personal training sessions twice a week. He is excellent at tailoring the workouts to my fitness level, and is very innovative keeping the workouts exciting. I am continuing the yoga. Just a few weeks ago I was able to hold the crow position. I have been working on that pose for 5 months! My body is responding so well to the yoga and I am excited to see what other poses I can continue to overcome. At this point in my journey just waking up and going through the motions of the day is no longer good enough. I have plans and more importantly I have the drive to make plans.

I am very excited to see what the future holds for me and where my journey takes me. Just remember no matter how hard the work; it is worth every bit of it in order to be healthy! This is something I have to constantly remind myself too! xo jenna

Channel 4 Eco Zone

What fun to see the first Mindful Morning on channel 4 tonight. It makes everything that I am working for so clear. We truly embrace all of the moments of our life with more fight, more passion and more love and laughter when we are internally strong. Each step with Mindful makes me feel that way. To get to live your passion...how cool is that? I am so grateful to all who are supporting me through their belief in what I am doing. One of my oldest, dearest friends Lori called tonight after the segment and left me feeling so emotional and grateful for those that have been on my journey every step. (in Lori's case 6th grade... think that counts). That of course leads up to my biggest supporters, besides the 5 men that surround me, is my adorable parents. I think my Dad had the tv on all day in case they should decide to run it at an earlier time. (Just kidding Dad) They told all their friends and it was such a joy to see them so proud. Good things happen when we travel on the path that belongs to us. To find it...that is truly a wonder.

xo ginny

Mindful's been busy...

Wow it has been a bit busy with great events. Maybe a little too? I am in my PJ's after sleeping in this Sat morning only awakening as I hear my husband pretending to not trying to wake me as he is doing everything but that. I open my eyes and he is there "want to go spinning?" I was just starting to even focus on his words when he says class starts in 15 lets run for it. I didn't go, instead I meditated for a bit on how fortunate I have been that my company is being so well received, that people are learning and enjoying. I focused on realizing it will now slow for a while as there are no more major events until Jan. 14th. I have to learn to slowdown again. To walk with grace and awareness which sometimes slips when we are moving through days at a quickened pace. My PJ's are still on, it is an overcast day... lunch with my niece, husband and boys is all I desire with a bit of art thrown in. Tomorrow sounds great for yoga, spinning can wait.

My juicing machine is whirring with beautiful fresh kale, apples, and carrots, already I know that the juice entering my system will fill me with gratitude and peace.

Our events the last two weeks have been amazing. IceBox with Mindful's evening was magical, beautiful food set against the water, sky and candles was like being in the midst of Tuscany .The conversation was nonstop as strangers and friends alike came together.

This past Wed December 2nd was The first Mindful Morning, Mindful Organics signature event series. It was all I could hope for. 12 people came together, one group of 5 was a family group, 3 sister-in-laws, Aunt and Mom. They were such a beautiful family. I met Jaleh one of the sister-in laws when she was referred to me to take my web picture. She walked in the door and I knew almost from that moment she would be a person that would be in my life. I guess she felt the same, she told me she loved the whole concept of Mindful and would be a big support. She has been, from buying gift certificates for Mindful services to bringing her whole family to support me on my first morning event, this stranger has become a dear friend. I love her text messages that usually begin...Good morning Sunshine. Who wouldn't love her? Two of my best friends were there. Each said they wouldn't miss it. The faces were animated as they went loose in my garden the only instructions being... lets gather all we can. It was fun watching my baby veggies getting their first major trims. The class was informative and social, I showed techniques with veggies and grains, all was smooth even if a bit hectic as channel 4 was here filming for Eco Zone. Lunch was beautiful as were the people surrounding the table.

Last night I met Vanessa and Elena. A great couple who came for an evening cooking class and dinner. They have been on the organic path for about 4 months which started for health reasons and now they cannot imagine living any other way. We cooked a scrumptious meal and then they enjoyed a romantic meal by the water. It meant the world to me when they said it was beyond their wildest expectations. And now again I toast with my juice to organics, new friendships and of course pj mornings!! xo ginny

Mindfulness so sweet...

Today has been perfection, and I know it. I Mindfulness so sweet...

Why was the day perfect? It started with a spin class that I didn't believe would be so great, but it was closeby and easy...turned out to be amazing. (only problem- the teacher was a sub...oh well life) I was so happy sweating away, there is such a great feeling when the legs are burning and the sweat is dripping! Exercise, nothing like it. When it is part of your everyday world you don't feel well without it. So that was first thing... then I got home where my house was almost filled with sleeping boys. I love cooking a great breakfast when they are all around. The scene was that of a messy, relaxed kitchen, boys eating away and my oldest sitting amongst us from Spain. He was skyping with us and we put the computer on the table as if he was munching and enjoying with us. Beautiful music playing and sweet smells begining to emerge... those of a holiday meal to be.

Happy Thanksgiving, may it be filled with love, laughter, and mindfulness. xo ginny

The Holiday Time

I was talking to a friend of mine who was saying she is incapable of not putting on pounds between now and the new year. She talked as if it was inevitable. It's not. It is a thought that if you believe it instead of challenging it, it will become the inevitable. It is the same way for aging, if you believe you should feel worse every year you will. If you decide to live your life with the freedom of not carry those thoughts with you but live with vitality you will.

Instead of choosing to eat what is in front of you without thinking or questioning decide now and yes, during the holiday season to take control. Instead of feeling like an overstuffed turkey at the end of the thanksgiving meal take control by making healthy choices. Add your clean vegetables. They are magnificent, the colors, the taste. Yes maybe for some they are an acquired taste. Possibly it is your time to embrace it instead of shrugging your shoulders.

I was recently sitting next to a gentleman at a dinner that I didn't know very well. We got to talking and when I told him what I did with Mindful Organics he started discussing his love for sausages and hotdogs. Felt everyone needed a lot of nitrates in their diet. Yes he looks like he eats alot of hot dogs. Yet he then goes on to say that the aging process is purely genetic... I beg to differ. Make up your mind push through your wants and take care of your needs. Thanksgiving morning get your exercise. Take a spin class, sweat it out in yoga. Just move. xo ginny

Home

Home...usually I am so anxious to return. This time I could have stayed much longer if we could have just gotten Mark, Kevin and the beautiful Miss Bear over to us.

The trip came at a perfect time we had just come back from visiting our son Michael at his school in Chicago and I was finally beginning to feel that I would be ok with him away. My younger kids spent the weekend telling Michael how I am just not the same since he left- mourning his departure. I realized it was a good kick in the pants, a wake up call. The wake up continued with our visit to our oldest watching him as our tour guide through Oveido. (Mind you we did have some doubts on how his Spanish immersion was going...still spoke like an american with a really bad accent) I realized he too was ok and I needed to be as well. I did still have 2 at home which for many is a full house.

The trip was the most laid back one we have taken in so long. We slept late into the mornings had no true agendas, my husband always the trip planner, had loose plans but no reservations anywhere. Ended up by staying in fantastic places as everything seemed empty.

We watched as people spent their evenings socializing around tables, no check being brought until you practically begged for it. No one seemed to rush anywhere. Dinners were so leisurely and enjoyable watching all the drama of the families multi generational together. I actually don't remember laughing so hard so many times that I was bent over from it.

Here is where Mindfulness comes in- I brought back fresh prospective, life is lived at the pace we make it. We have commitments to so many people, organizations, our professions and of course and foremost family. I think though we forget about the responsibility to oneself...time for reflection so we grow wiser (and saner), time for solitude to embrace ourself and our uniqueness. The option not to answer a ringing phone, but instead enjoying great music, great conversation, or for me at times being lost in the private world of my garden. Namaste...xo ginny

Fabadas de almejas

I brought one of my favorite books with me to review on the trip. The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth by Jonny Bowden. Since we are eating alot of clams  in my favorite dish Fabada de Almejas I decided to check out what the book had to say about them. Here goes... Clams are one of the richest sources of iron on the planet, containing many times the amount found in beef liver. And 3 ounces of clams provides a whopping 700% of the daily value vitamin B12 , plus 66% of the daily value for iron. 

The other major component in the fabada is the white beans, beans are a  major source of fiber, which is associated with lower risks of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer. They are also a  good source of protein. They digest slowly, providing sustained energy and keeps our blood sugar levels staple. They also lower cholesterol and are loaded with protective phytochemicals, antioxidants, and vitamins.  Here's to fabadas and good health...I will figure out how to make a great pot of it when I get home and then share the recipe.  So good.   xo ginny

Oviedo

Oviedo, is in the Asturias region of Spain, the northern most section. We flew into Madrid and then waited a couple of hours for our flight to Asturias. (we actually had coffee with our dear friend Stevie who also was on a layover in Madrid- he was heading to Mallorca for a guys bike trip) Our son was waiting at the airport flowers in hand! The drive to the town from the airport takes you through beautiful rural pastureland and then into this beautiful, charming town of 200,000. I thought we would crash out on our arrival but pushed through and sat down for lunch at 4:30 local time. The restaurant was  typical of this area. Tile floors so the pouring of the sidra hitting the floors only needs to be hosed down at the end of the night. Sidra is the specialty drink of this region,  cider laced with some kind of alcohol. It is poured by the waiter two feet or so above your glass almost backwards. A true show. You are then supposed to gulp it like a shot. The bottle is left on your table but the waiter does all the pouring. (personally didn't like it,  must be an acquired taste.) The food here is based on seafood and pork. The fish I had at lunch was a white fish prepared a la plancha. Delicious. My husband and son had the regional dish of fabada a stew of white beans with either sausage or clams. They had one of each. I ordered a side of vegetables which was just simply ignored. The atmosphere was crowded, loud and so festive. It was so perfect! We crashed out at 7:30 and ate dinner at 11 we are definitely adapting to the spanish customs quickly. We had sardines, pulpo, and more fabado, the simplest food here is so fresh and prepared simply.  When we left at 1am the place was still loud and vibrant with all age groups including families with kids in tow. 

This morning we are having some tea and ordered a fruit plate, a basket arrived with apples, oranges,  kiwis, and a knife. Definitely a different way of serving fruit but the diet here is not fruit and vegetable oriented. (though the fruit was so delicious) You must make it work for yourself.       

Loving it here.  xo ginny

off to visit Scott

My oldest son Scott is studying in Oviedo Spain and I haven't seen him since August.  Too long for sure. Though I guess you can't say I haven't seen him,  I have actually watched his hair grow in from a bad haircut to getting really long and crazy now. Courtesy of skype! I get the text, skype today mom? We then set our time (I actually set an alert on my phone can you believe forgot to show up to a couple in the beginning wasn't used to it)  now can't live without it. Technology baby...My husband and I are flying over tonight. We will spend 10 days traveling the seaport towns of Northern Spain and then head into Portugal. No set plans an outline of destinations we want to reach, with no reservations made after the first couple of nights. I am overjoyed at the freedom the trip offers and mostly the thought that my husband and I get to just kick back with this kid we adore who turned out to be an extraordinary man. When you have 4 when does it happen you get to have one to yourselves to travel with, let alone in Europe? We have been reminded to bring heavy coats, told where he will be waiting at the airport...role reversal? Mostly told by Scott he needs us,  his home, what more could parents ask for? Will blog from the trip though not too often as wi fi is limited we are avoiding big cities. Can't wait to be backtowns where no one has huge refrigerators, food is bought from the local farmers,  where the food is so fresh... stay well   xo ginny

random thoughts...again

Sometimes when you are so involved with something you think everyone else is too, sometimes though nobody truly is on your journey.  I use to feel like that alot with the organic world I so love. Boy have things changed though and I just wanted to point out somethings that have just popped out for me lately. The  CSA  for Temple Beth Sholom has grown to have 61 families with a large waiting list. Chaos might happen  tomorrow on our first distribution day but it will be filled with laughter and joy for all the promise of awareness entering our consciousness.

Two days ago I was at Whole Foods ordering an organic turkey for thanksgiving and left my card as they needed phone etc. The next day I heard back... could I drop off some more info on my company they would love to do something together. Just by ordering the right thing to feed my family good things came of it. Get that organic turkey,  karma might come with you too!

One of my first clients for private consultations has sprouted open my business simply by learning how to eat simply and with awareness. When she came to me she looked great to begin with maybe a little fuller than she wanted to be, but she is in the health business herself. Her problem was CRAVINGS she could really lose it. I showed her by eating in a certain style those would go away. They have she feels and looks so amazing!!  She is a walking billboard for Mindful Organics and loves to share and help others. No matter where she goes people are commenting and asking her about her changes. They were so simple, no cookie diet, no counting calories.  Instead learning to treat her body  like a beautiful temple, deserving of the utmost respect... welcoming in  a new way of thinking about food.

My boys and their friend got into the car yesterday after basketball and they were talking about lunch that day. Someone asked Kevin about his mom's involvement with organics and he was so proud. He started talking about how great he always feels and attributes it to the way he eats. He could care less what anyone thought,  and the truth was they were truly interested. Here's to the next generation!

Another moment hit this morning as I gave my kds their breakfast before school... halibut, sweet potatoes and a smoothie full of fruits and flax.  They don't blink an eye. To them this is just breakfast. 

And now I am sitting here and Wed is my favorite newspaper day of the week even better then Sunday. The New York Times Dining Section!! It never disappoints and I so look forward to it.

Today is amazing all dealing with the food movement. The White House's garden, policy making and who is involved (the White House chef) great new cookbooks focused on American Chefs and cooking with simplicity. Try to pick up a Times today you won't be disappointed.

 What a great time we are living in how grateful I am that I get to blog here about my passion. Thanks for letting me share my very random thoughts...xo ginny

Eat your enzymes

Enzymes are complex protein molecules found in all our cells in our bodies. Their purpose is to rebuild cells, break down fats and nutrients and decrease inflammation in the body.  Digestive enzymes produced by our systems are also found in raw fruits and vegetables. (Especially in pineapple, papaya and sprouts) The enzymes keep our systems running at optimal levels. When we eat too much processed foods and not enough raw foods we run the risk of not producing enough enzymes. This is the  reason raw foodists feel so strongly about how high their food can be heated to before the enzymes are killed off. 

Frequently the symptoms of not enough enzymes are bloating, cramping, gas and weight gain.  Enzyme supplements cause better digestiion sometimes with the first dosage. The people who benefit most are those suffering from food intolerances, cystic fibrosis, autism, pancreatitis and those suffering from chronic pain. Enzymes taken in conjunction with probiotics make each do the others job better.

Questions on probiotics? Let me know and I will add a blog on them next.  xo ginny

smoothies by Kevin

My son Kevin is really is really getting into organics. As I always say ( and he concurs) it shows on his body. He is very conscious of what he is putting into his body. His friend (who wants to remain anonymous) says it has gone to far when Kevin refused to have an Acees Icees telling his friend how terrible all that suger would be on their systems. Kev is a firm believer in the power of smoothies and I am now including his recipe. Kevin's words and recipe now follow.

 We use vital choice organic fruit. We order it from vitalchoice.com. They sell blueberries, blackberries,  strawberries or a mix of all three. In my smoothie I use whatever frozen fruit we have plus bananas. (we put our over ripe ones in the freezer) I then put in flaxeed oil and coconut oil. I recently have been feeling low on energy so I now add my powder nutrients my mom  gave me  into my smoothie as well. I top it all off  by loading orange juice until it reaches a higher point than all the fruit. When everythings ready to go I blend it all up until its blended well.  

xo  ginny and Kevin

The Dirty Dozen

Last night I was at an affair and there was a server there that I was immediately drawn to. She was so friendly and had just a wonderful aura around her. A connection was made.  Later in the night I mentioned to her I had a company Mindful Organics. Her eyes lit up, she knew Mindful, she is actually a facebook fan! Her name is Julie and it turns out she was just moonlighting and has an incredible job at a local hospital relating to nutrition and well being. We were both stunned by our instant connection to each other when we met. I definitely made a new friend last night. She was telling me in the program she is a director of they teach their patients about the dirty dozen. That reminded me I had not blogged about that yet, so here goes.

The dirty dozen are the fruits and vegetables that it is particulary important to eat the organic form of as these tend to have the largest amounts of pesticide residues.

Nectarines, lettuce, celery, spinach, cherries, peaches, potatoes, pears, imported grapes, bell peppers, apples, and strawberries.

According to the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG) the types least likely to contain pesticides are avocados, sweet corn, broccoli, asparagus, banans, pineapple, and mango.

Hope the info is extremely helpful!  xo ginny

The Dirty Dozen

Just What the Doctor Ordered-for dinner

My Aunt sent me this article. I would love to study under Dr Polak,  as he is doing is exactly what I believe.

"Healthy gourmet food isn't an oxymoron, says Dr Rani Polak, a Hadassah doctor and Cordon Bleu-trained chef. He also believes you should not have to make a special meal for a diabetic child or adult.

He works at The Hadassah Medical Center, where he is the director of the Center for Healthy Living, and at Hadassah College Jerusalem, where he teaches future chefs how to cook more healthfully. Specifically how to create recipes that take into consideration the needs for those suffering from Crohn's disease, diabetes, and celiac disease. 

Dr Plak, 37 enrolled in the Hebrew University- Hadassah Medical Center. Midway through his six year course of study he took one year off to travel in Australia. He  involved himself in his passion for cooking and took classes at at an outpost of Le Cordon Bleu. 

When he returned to medical school Dr Polak became interested in Crohn's disease. When his patients began complaining to him about their dietary restrictions he was able to combine his love of medicine and cooking. He now teaches wellness cooking classes at the Center for Healthy Living. "I'm not just interested in treating diseases," says Dr. Polak. "I want to improve the quality of everyday life for patients."   How incredible the direct link between disease and nutrition. Food for thought.  xo ginny

Greens

Chlorophyll is responsible for the color green in many fruits and vegetables. Lutein a compound that contributes to eye health and reduces the risk of macular degeneration and cateracts. Folate is also found in leafy vegetables a B vitamin that can prevent against birth defects in pregnant woman. It has also been linked to better memory and hearing. It may also prevent against various forms of cancer. A study  done by the Chinese in 2009 found that high consumption of dark leafy vegetables was related to a lower risk of breast cancer in women. 

Cruciferous green vegetables like broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, and kale have their own set of benefits. They contain sulfeoraphane, a compound with antioxidant and antibacterial properties that may help prevent prostate, colon, and stomach cancer.  A review of 30 studies found that the risk of lung cancer was 22 percent lower in people who ate high amounts of cruciferous vegetables. Sulforaphane also appears to help protect the heart, helps our lungs and liver eliminate toxins.

 Much better for you than a cheeseburger and fries... Everyday we make choices. Lets make mindful ones as to how we want our body performing for us 5, 10 or 20 years down the line. We have one journey... make it a powerful one in both mind and body.  xo ginny

Argula, caramelized onion, and goat cheese pizza

1 TBL olive oil

1 medium red onion, cut in 1/2 and thinly sliced into 1/2 moons

4 cups arugula, coarsely chopped

S&P to taste

four 6 inch diameter whole wheat tortillas

2 oz fresh goat cheese 

Preheat oven to 400

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring until golden. About 12 minutes. Add the arugula and cook until it is wilted, about 1 minute. Season with S&P. 

Place the tortillas on a baking sheet and top each one with the argula mixture. Crumble the goat cheese over each and bake until the tortillas are crisp and the cheese is slightly melted. About 10 minutes. Let cool then cut into 4 wedges and serve. Use your imagination though, any veggies you have on hand you can use...roast some eggplant,  peppers, zucchini, mushrooms. 

Bon Apetit.   xo ginny

Eating by Color... todays color red

Eating a rainbow of produce everyday helps ensure you get the full range of nutrients for optimal health. Truly they are our fountain of youth.

Every color that we eat offers us different nutrients our bodies need to stay strong, and  fight diseases. The color red for instance found in foods such as watermelon and red tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant offering protection from cancers including and especially noted prostate. Strong evidence also shows it protects against lung, stomach, pancreatic, colorectal, esphageal, oral, breast and cervical cancers. The American Heart Journal came out with a new study that treatment with antioxidant-rich tomato extract can reduce blood pressure in patients with grade 1 hypertension. An added bonus to tomatoes is they have a compound in them called lutein, which is great for your eye health The lutein may help prevent macular degeneration.

Red colored produce also contain carotenoids, and are sources of vitamin A.  How can we afford not to eat our reds? They are incredibly powerful for us. Throw   tomatoes in your salad, sandwiches, make pizzas top with extra tomato sauce,  scrambled eggs and tomatoes yum!! Watermelon ..ever try it in a salad with feta cheese or fresh mozzerella and mint? Out of this world. Here's to good eating!!   xo ginny

 

baking and gardening

I absolutely love to bake. Always something baking in my house, but I am now baking with so many new wonderful ingredients. This morning I concocted up a banana, zuchini, date, walnut, raisan cake (bread) with coconut oil, whole wheat, flax seed and more so yummy!! Very healthy and feel good food. Problem was I love baking and lost out a bit on my gardening class cause the time flew and here it was 9:40 I was full of flour and still needed to get dressed and get out. Trouble is class was 30 minutes away. Must have showered in 2 minutes. Bear (my best girlfriend, and I have amazing girlfriends) was even happier than I was with all the baking. She had flour on her head and her black muzzle was white. Of course she is also my tester and approved it all. She always does...is that unconditional love or what?? Class was so great. Unfortunately it was the last of the series, I learned so much from Andres and from everyone's input and questions. The icing on the cake was I got my overdue lesson in the garden on pollinating,  as well as learning the correct way the tomato plants like to root. Isn't is great when you turn around at the end of the day and you are fulfilled emotionally and intellectually, surrounded by great people including most especially sons and a husband who are my world. Life is sweet. Thanks for checking in.  xo ginny

From Sundays New York Times Magazine section

Rules to Eat by

From my Romanian grandmother: "Breakfast, you should eat alone. Lunch you should share with a friend. Dinner, give to your enemy." Irina A. Dumitrescu

Don't eat anything that took more energy to ship than to grow. -Carrie Cizauskas

Never eat something pretending to be something else; e.g. no "textured vegetable protein" or veggie burgers (fake meat), no artificial sweeteners, no margarine (fake butter), no "low fat"  sour cream, no turkey bacon, no chocolate-flavor sauce" that doesn't contain chocolate,  If I want something that tastes like meat or butter, I would rather have the real thing than some chemical concoction pretending to be more healthful-Sonya Legg

Eat foods in inverse proportion to how much its lobby spends to push it.-Kirk Westphal

Avoid snack foods with the "oh" sound in their names:

Doritos, fritos, cheetos, tostitos, hostess ho hos, etc -Donna David

Interesting... xo ginny

interesting...  xo ginny

Soy information

There is alot of confusion in the American consumer's mind as to whether soy products are healthy or not. How much and in what form is best?  There is misinformation stating that soy causes breast cancer, Alzheimers and man boobs. That information is inaccurate. Soy is a major allergen (as is wheat, nuts, dairy, eggs and seafood). It is also not beneficial for our cholesterol levels as first thought about 10 years ago. Yet it has an important part to play in our diets.

Asians use it as a staple to their diet and they tend to live longer, healthier lives then we do here. Soy is used differently in Asia, it is used in its whole forms tofu, miso, and tempeh. They use it in moderation not make whole meals of it. (Just as they use animal flesh in smaller amounts favoring vegetables) Americans tend to use soy broken down into products such as milk, TVP, (textured vegetable protein) and soy flour. Processing changes the form and nutritional value of the soy. It is healthier in its whole form with its phytonutrients intact, and superlean protein. Tempeh is the best way to go if you like a meaty texture. A 3oz serving generally has about 150 calories. I just bought LightLife tempehtations zesty lemon flavor at Whole Foods. I like to crumble tempeh into my salads or I buy the tofu pasta by Shirataki (4oz  20kcal!) and mix in tempeh my answer to spaghetti with meat sauce. (Shirataki noodles sold in the fruit and veggie section of the organics in Publix) Explore and enjoy there are now so many options including take the silkin tofu and add it to your morning fruit smoothies excellent for the whole family. Quick on rushed school mornings and delicious. Buy the organic frozen berries.  xo ginny

The Market

When I was a girl my grandma Bess lived in Manhattan and my family lived on Long Island. We would go in once a week to see her. I believe it was Sunday nights though I could be wrong on that... My father loved a market that we would visit after taking my grandma out for dinner and then home. My sister,  brother and I loved those visits or at least I think they did. I know I loved them. The place was,  I suppose a gourmet market. My Dad and I have always loved dried apricots so I remember that most. I am sure they had beautiful, gourmet items.  I just wanted those peel and eat  plastic apricot skins (came in other flavors too) and the apricots of course. It was something really special those visits to the market. I was thinking of that today as Mark, Kevin and I were coming home from todays'  Coconut Grove trip. You see the experience is quite different. They don't like going... I used mothers' guilt to get them to come by saying I missed them, and bribery by offering I would buy all the lemonade and juices they  could carry.  Well it is hot there at this time of year and the bags get heavy as there are no carts. Their mother kind of disappears into this hippie wanna be in bliss with the surroundings and inspired by  fellow shoppers.   Kevin in the meantime was still questioning what and where the plum tomatoes were.  Mark was stuck on zucchinis. 

 I love to hear Tracy, (the owner)  yelling acrross the market at her husband Stan, creating tumult and drama, She is  you could say  a colorful person,  but what a passionate one!!  I love the earthiness of the place,  the food,  the scene, the energy. Most of all,  the different kinds of people who attend.  I know my boys  won't quite have the memories of a beautiful, tranquil market, but maybe they will remember those  days at the market when their mother was trying to teach them about real food...the good side of life.  xo  ginny

Karma

I was having a discussion about karma the other day with two of my kids,  discussing the definition and thoughts on it. They said and both agreed karma is when you do good things, good things come back to you. I believe that to be karma,  as well as the feeling or energy that something gives off.  I had changed course on something I had put my heart and soul into when I felt the flow was negative, the karma off. I am not a flighty person so I don't just go around waiting to see how the energy is flowing,  but if something pulls at my heart strings alerting me I listen.  I have found in living my life if something feels wrong, don't fight it. We don't always understand why rationally but to follow our instincts, based solely on our trust within our own being is living honestly, and mindfully. Sometimes we have to turn off the static of life and remember to hear our own thoughts as they are usually the wisest.  Namaste.  xo ginny

Turmeric

There has been alot of talk lately about the health benefits of different spices. I was just asked yesterday about turmeric. Turmeric is the root of a shrub similiar to ginger. It has long been used  to help with inflammation. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric,  it has anti-cancer properties, including the power to target tumor cells.

Most recently, Mohsen Meydani, DVM, PhD, director of Tufts' HNRCA Vascular Biology Laboratory, has led research showing that mice fed a diet including curcumin gain less weight and have healthier cholesterol and glucose levels. The Tufts scientists theorize that curcumin could stall the spread of fat tissue in the body by inhibiting new blood vessel growth necessary to build fat tissue. 

Turmeric is a key ingredient in curries and  turmeric can be used in a variety of Indian dishes. 

xo ginny

John Hopkins Update

John Hopkins Update - AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY', BEING THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO TELL YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY.  Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins :  1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.  2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.  3  When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.  4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies.. These could be due to genetic,environmental, food and lifestyle factors.  5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.  6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.  7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.  8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.  9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.  10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can alsocause cancer cells to spread to other sites.  11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply..  *CANCER CELLS FEED ON:  a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes likeNutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Man uka honey or molasses, but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in color. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.  b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer cells are being starved.  c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.  d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).  e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.  12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic buildup.  13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.  14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.  15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor.Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.  16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.  1. No plastic containers in micro.  2. No water bottles in freezer.  3.. No plastic wrap in microwave..  Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army MedicalCenter as well. Dioxin chemicals cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Cast le Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us.. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave us ing plastic containers. This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Pa per isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons..  Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.  This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life.

 

Why Eat Avocados?

So many people I know stay away from avocados because of their high calorie count. They are truly missing out on one of the worlds' healthiest foods.

1/2 cup has 117 kcal, 10.5g fat, 5mg sodium. 6g carbs, 5g fiber, 0.5g sugars, 1.5g protein.

Avocados are loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. Its high levels of potassium aid in maintaining a healthy nervous system and protecting the heart. And all the vitamin E avocados contain boost the immune system, keeps your blood flowing smoothly and the fats it contains are great for your hair and skin. A little goes a long way. How about for breakfast use it on your toast as a spread?  xo ginny

why eat avocados?

changing my course

A friend of mine told me he didn't like the blog titled a passage of time. He said it bothered him that it (the blog) was so sad and felt my sadness too strongly through it. I shrugged my shoulders and said to him the same thing I say to my boys, sadness is part of life- makes the good times sweeter. For me its hard to stay sad for long,  I am one of the lucky ones it takes a lot for me to be down. My mom likes to tell how on each birthday that came around while I was a little girl I would feel  bittersweet at my forthcoming birthday. I would tell her the previous year had been so perfect I really wasn't ready to move on. 

This time though has been a bit different having my older child in Spain and the next one off in Chicago has been a blow right at the time of the Jewish New Year. Couldn't seem to pull it together.  I guess I decided I needed to snap out of it when my two younger sons had reached their limit and pointed out they were still home. They put a vase of flowers in front of my husband and I at dinner the other night announcing for the amount we noticed them they might have been sitting at another table. That kind of got my attention...and so the detox began. Sometimes to change the course of where we are heading we need to make a sharp turn. For me its through exercise and eating. The detox did just what it needed to, I feel so light, free, renergized and focused.  Those boys of mine better watch out they have my full attention now. More than they might want...   xo  ginny

Apetite and Satiety

Researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern reported how high-fat food could alter brain signals that regulate apetite and satiety. Researchers gave mice and rats saturated and unsaturated fat, finding that the saturated fat made its way to the brain, where it blocked the ability of the hormone leptin to regulate food intake and body weight. 

The effect can last for days setting off a cycle of cravings and overeating. Making one feel out of control. Another reason to reach for the foods we know are good for us, body and soul. Truly how we feel about ourselves is reflected in what we put in our mouths. Skip the donuts go for a beautiful bowl of wheatberries. Don't know how to change your ways?  Read books, ask for help. I know I am here as a resource for anyone that asks.  xo ginny

Detoxing

Twice a year I do a fairly major juice detox. 

 So many problems in our society come from excessive use of food and drugs. 

If we ask ourselves is there anything we do on a daily basis that we would really miss if we did not have it? If so this activity is a habit or addiction. There are positive habits, like exercising, eating good foods, and getting proper sleep. I am hooked or addicted you could say to feeling healthy, strong and filled with energy. Yet there are many other habits that negatively affect our life and health and can lead to a vast amount of problems-physical, mental, and emotional. Common addictions include sugar, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and drugs.

In other cultures fasting and detoxification is part of their way of life,  in Western society it is just coming into its own.

Taking breaks from things is a good way to assess our relationship to them and is often a good way to improve our health. When we treat ourselves with more respect and self-love, of caring for the body in a positive and loving way, we will choose less polluting ways of living and this lifestyle will produce less personal and planetary toxicity.

I personally detox to ease the burden my body has of cleaning out its toxins both from the food I eat and the toxins I breathe in from our environment. When we are constantly eating our body cannot clean out waste as well. When we rest it by fasting we allow it to go after  build up instead of continually just trying to keep up with what has entered. 

If our diet is very clean and nutritious, organic and process food free,  we need to detoxify less, more if we are eating a diet that has a lot of animal fat, white foods, alcohol and sugars.

When I am detoxing the first day is always difficult. I usually begin on a Sunday which in my house is the most difficult day. (I must like to punish myself or something) Food is everywhere...a noshing day. I know ahead of time to plan a day where we head to the movies or out for a great, long walk. Depending on how I feel determines how much I exercise,  some people  have very little energy and others  are fine. Today I did weights and went spinning and felt great, full of energy and still do as night has fallen. I love the feeling of being slightly hungry knowing my body is getting so clean inside and that I am rejuvenating myself. On Thursday when I end my fast, I will feel so strong both mentally and physically. Mentally because I made a promise to myself and honored it. If not to myself how can I honor others?  That feeling of wanting to nibble will be gone. I gain a greater perspective on what my body really wants, realization occurs that I need much less food than I was consuming.  My skin will be glowing, stomache flat and most of all I will feel deeply spiritual and content because a fast is the greatest gift I give to my body's well being.    xo ginny

My Garden

Today I was in my garden weeding, thinking, and planning for Sunday when I will plant more.

I have never had a garden before and never really thought much about growing or the experience it would offer. If I had realized the gift it offers I would have put one in long ago. Many wonderful things are coming out of it besides just the seedlings. Pride in giving life even if it is just seeds. Those seeds though will bring my family bounty as well as gifts to friends as I hand out my produce. It teaches my kids what it is to wait for something to grow instead of the instant gratification of buying. It gives me utter joy and peace. I can be in the garden and lose complete track of time. The 20 minutes I planned to spend in there turns into 45 in a heartbeat as my mind stills and my hands are busy... tranquilty.  I had friends over today and we all walked in to my beautiful garden.  I looked at my tiny sprouts that could pass for weeds and my heart swelled with the pride of what I was bringing forth.  xo  ginny

Karyn's Cooked with Michael

Ok so I have wanted for the longest time when in Chicago to eat at Karyn's Cooked ( conscious comfort food)  She has Karyn's Raw which I have been to the market area of,  I have Karyn's detox videos on her 3 month raw detox. To say I am enamored of this woman would be correct though I have never met her personally. She is 62,  I understand looks amazing still wearing mini skirts and heels,  and after her grandmother and mother died very young from disease she decided to save herself through nutrition. She is alive, kicking and fabulous another story of the power of food and the choices we make. 

Well to make a long story more interesting when in Chicago with my troops I always lose the battle and never get to eat there. This time however is different...only Michael with me for a day and a half. No husband and 3 other guys to win over. I did good I went with Michael for pizza at midnight Miami time Friday night to a tired looking but delicious pizza institution. I think it was called Luminatis or something close. He thought I was so cool, I knew I was working it. I wanted Karyn's for lunch saturday.  Won the lunch battle had the most delicious over the top vegan pizza and raw plate. What did Michael have...he managed just fine with a budda bowl and another life experience. Hopefully everytime I introduce these guys to new eating experiences it will stay with them and one day teach their kids what good food really is. Here's to more places and people like Karyn. In the meantime when I am stuck today in a sportsbar  xo ginny

Being mindful of the passage of time

This blog isn't about food or the holistic lifestyle but more about being aware of lifes' moments.

Tonight we took our family of 6 out for dinner though only 5 were present, the oldest being away studying in Spain.  Knowing that after dinner tonight for the majority of time the next few years dinner will be for 4 of us. This is so hard to bear.  To know me is to understand the immense pride of raising this large family of mine,  yes 4 boys. Many times over the 21 years of raising these sons of mine people would say the oddest things... like were you hoping for the girl? Are you going to keep going til you get a girl and well G-d bless you for having 4 boys! My answer to that one always was, well she did! Truly I couldn't have wished for a crazier, fuller life. I like people,  I mean I really like people, food, activity and animals. My life has been full of all of those but now it is beginning to quiet down and I am just not ready. I started talking to my husband a few years back about adopting an Asian girl. That was met with a look of pure horror. Not the Asian part mind you,  it was the 5th child thought. 

Of course I still have 2 at home but 2 is so quiet. I guess I could learn to like quietness but I wouldn't bet on it.

  As I have always told the boys being sad is ok it teaches the lesson of how sweet it is when all is well.  Thanksgiving is just around the corner right?  xo Ginny

Organic Gardening Class

Life is just so exciting these days...the days are just not long enough! Today was another incredible day. I got invited to join a dynamic group of women who are taking a six week course by Andres Mejides, a professor at Miami Dade and the owner of Elfin Organics in The Redlands. 

I sat there taking notes and smiling the whole time. So wonderful to be learning and laughing with like-minded people.  Andres taught today on composting referring to a textbook  titled

How To Grow More Vegetables.  I was like a sponge soaking the whole encounter in. The class was at a woman's home in So. Miami. Who I had heard mentioned by two new friends.  Her mother is very involved in Slow Food Miami, so I knew this was someone who had strong ties with the natural lifestyle, and who would be a treat to meet.  I was not disappointed! Her land is covered with natural habitat to Florida as well as large areas waiting for this years seedlings to be planted.   She manages a truly organic,  involved lifestyle while raising a young family. I knew it must be wild at times because when I called her to get the details of the course she answered the phone Grand Central Station! A woman of my own heart.

Lunch was beautiful from roasted carrots done to perfection to homemade babagunish, hummus, red quinoa, and a beautiful wheat berry salad with apples, scallions. cranberries, walnuts and a vingerette dressing. So perfect,  so healthy and not an ounce of dairy or animal flesh. What a joy it was to see a meal that did not sacrifice any animals and no one there expecting it.  We were sent home with huge beautiful avocadoes,  this time I had to stop and pick up some fresh cilantro to make guacamole.  Can't wait for the cilantro in my garden to be large enough to take cuttings from.

Could not wait to come home and play  in my garden an awe inspiring day.  All I can say is know when you are happy, be conscious and mindful of it.  Savor it. I am.    xo Ginny 

Organic Metro Bistro

On this past rainy Saturday evening of Labor Day weekend we met our dear friends Nancy and Brad at a restaurant Nancy thought I would be interested in. I am so thrilled she suggested it. It is now one of my favorites that I will be returning to often. 

Metro Bistro is on Biscayne Boulevard and 70 Street adjacent to the Karma Car Wash. The restaurant has  3 tables inside, 4 stools at the cool bar,  and quite a few tables outside in their very South Beach looking patio. (lot of white and some wht drapery) 

Food is all organic coming from Global Organics, Paradise Farms (which I love go online and sign up for one of their magical dinners, Dec thru April-amazing, another blog though) and Alberts Organics. The menu is wonderful from Grass fed Burgers, Steak Frites (gentleman at the next table said it was cooked to perfection with the best chimichuri he had ever had) to unbelievable salads, fresh fish and free range chicken. I had a beet and goat cheese salad the beets were amazingly delicious. I followed it with a Tuna Nicoise salad made from seared sashimi grade yellow-fin tuna.  My husband had a Hefe Weisen Beer on tap with his dinner said it was the best Hefe Weisen he's had outside of Germany. 

Our server Akira was so professional and friendly, really helpful. Chef Nuno came out to say hello to each table which made for a great experience. He was also very kind to give me a couple of his recipes I was interested in.

Another wonderful part of the evening was meeting some of the people sitting at the table next to us. (place is cozy) As I said in the post one earlier,  when you are following your passion you tend to really enjoy the people you come across. We met Melanie and Jeff who have just moved back to the Miami area after spending a few years in Tampa.  We were chatting about organic restaurants, food and the lifestyle.  Melanie,  a breast cancer surviver is opening her own business called Pinkgrowsgreen.net. To be honest it sounded terrific, and I know it involved home products such as blankets and throws made from environmentally friendly products but I am a little fuzzy on all the details. Give Melanie a little time and then check her website. I know from meeting her it will be very worthwhile. 

I promise if you go to Metro Bistro you will love it. Lets support those of us trying to move us into a healthier more organic lifestyle!  xo Ginny

passionate about my new life

Ok,  I have decided perhaps I will not be obsolete after all when the boys leave home. Mindful Organics began with a long thought process of wondering what would happen when I grew up. (Please see my early blogs)  I am now in my forties and feel like a kid so excited  everyday to see where my new little company will take me.  It is just that I am so passionate about this world of organics and holistic lifestyle and all the doors it is opening. 

I even feel perhaps by speaking out even right here on my blog maybe my words will make a difference. I am beginning to see I have a purpose here,  that this movement is so important and that Mindful Organics is my vehicle to reach out from. Funny thing  is the more I try to reach out and teach the more I am learning from others much further along the learning curve. They  are so anxious to share their knowledge and passsion. A perfect example is a great woman I got to spend the day with today. Her name is Estella, she is an architect, wife, mom, violinst, organic gardner and community activist. I am so fortunate to have been introduced to her through my dear friend Juan Carlos. From the first moments of having met her I knew I wanted to be around her. Her karma, spirit, kindness and gentleness of manner was so present to me.  Today it was planting day and here is Estella with me in the pouring rain both of us soaked, sharing the joys of planting,  sharing some joys and sorrows of our lives. Friends already based on a shared passion. Estella is just one of the wonderful people I am having an opportunity to meet, and feel so connected to. 

Annhy who is the talent behind this website was just a business connection at first and has become a person I consider a good friend. A day without communication with Annhy is so odd. I love her ideas, creativity,  her humor, and her wise take on life. She is a free spirit and someone I have come to adore.  I guess that's what happens when you find that place in the world where you know you belong,  the place of passions.  xo Ginny

How important is exercise?

I read a book last year that was really entertaining, well written and very inspiring. It is called Younger Next Year. I highly recommend it. My kids tease my husband and I all the time about it as we tell them how young we are getting every year.  It gives you "rules" to slow down the aging process dramatically. It delves into nutrition and is very passionate on the topic of exercise.  In particular cross training. The authors believe that exercise should be done six days a week to keep you youthful both physically and mentally.

 For myself and my family we have made it extremely high on our list of priorities.  Our kids understand their bodies are beautiful machines and need proper care and maintenance.  To keep them in  optimal condition they require exercise, great nutrition,  and to be drug free.

 I love the feel of a great sweat, and the feeling of well being that a great workout gives me. It is something I make happen regardless of what else is going on.  I take yoga, spin classes, run on the beach, and belong to a gym, The Workout Spot in Coconut Grove. It is owned by 4 great trainers.  My trainer is Damian,  he has a wide array of clients,  with all different needs. He tailors each workout to the individual. He motivates, pushes, demands and receives the best from his clients. For me the expense of having a trainer is an investment in myself. 

 

 Whether you use a trainer, take classes, go to boot camp, do yoga or play a sport  I hope  exercise  in whatever form you choose  becomes an integral part of your life.  Here's to our good health...   xo Ginny

Slow Food Movement is Asking for Our Support

This Labor Day  Slow Food is sponsoring nearly 300 " Eat ins " in all 50 states to demand real food in our schools. They are asking us to attend one in our communities to add  support to like- minded individuals.  It truly is a  grass root movement to change the way we feed our kids and eat as a society. Please go to their website and involve yourself. As we all know each of us truly does make a difference.   xo Ginny

Time Magazine article The Real Cost of Cheap Food

This weeks Time Magazine Article is titled The Real Cost Of Cheap Food.

The article makes it so very clear as to what we are doing to ourselves, our animals and our environment by continuing to eat cheap,  conventional food. We are wearing blinders if we continue along our path in the same way without looking around and understanding what we are causing. The question people put to themselves is can I one person make a difference? Yes every single action of each of us truly matters. Please read it, act upon it by at least being conscious or shall we say mindful of what our choices are. Big steps are great, small ones that are sustainable even better, slowly we will change and awaken. Lets start asking where our beef comes from lets ask for organic, natural or grass fed beef at your regular supermarket so the inventory grows. We as communities force changes. Each single one of us. If you are going out for mexican use a chain like Chipotle who is supporting this movement.  Maybe we can't all afford Niman beef but if we ask for grassfed sooner or later we will start the growth of more grassfed product. Another great option of course is to realize no one needs 8 oz of beef with their meal. Have your butcher make 4 oz portions and fill your plate with veggies and grains. Your plate will be beautiful, your body slimmer, your blood pressure and cholesterol lower, and your skin more beautiful as you continously add more colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet. Come on America we can do this!!     xo Ginny

Times are a changing

Today's New York Times has an article on the fact that the two new yankee stadiums have fruit stands. It sells green and red apples, pears, bananas, nectarines, peaches, and pineapple cups.

None of the fruit is local however, rather being brought in from growers in Washington, Cailifornia, Oregon and New Zealand.

 It is a process my friends but definitely a wonderful beginning. Lets push for these changes by helping ourselves. Eat fruit, vegetables, grains, use your animal flesh as condiments and slowly use less and less. Get healthy,  save the planet.  Sounds like a good situation for all.

Have a great weekend.   xo Ginny

The Movement

So interesting how the world of organics and eating healthy  is truly at the forefront of many peoples minds at this point. Every where you look from Wednesdays New York Times article of vacationing on a farm in the Dining Guide to yesterdays Tropical Life article on Vegan baking. The girl featured was a 16 year old high school student. She attends a high school I know and love. She has been vegan and baking since the age of 14...impressive. Her baked goods are now sold in a local bookstore. She is hoping to open her own bakery one day. I know I didn't have her convictions at her age,  hats off to her awareness of our world and health concerns. 

The owner Gaby Larrea  of Peace A" Cake is also quoted,  he and his partner have been selling vegan desserts since February. He went vegan for health, his partner "for health, the environment, everything" (partner is Veronica Menin).  

Pizza Fusion is opening slowly around the country, pizza with local and organic toppings. Lets support our world...support these Mom and Pops leading us into the next movement. It is here, it is smart,  it is mindful, and it is being consciously aware of our place in this beautiful planet we all share.  xo  Ginny

Hinmahtooyah

so shall I tell you about my evening?

Let me start by telling you my all time favorite restaurant is Michael's Genuine Food.  We go there alot. The food is outrageous, local, organic, grass fed, and wild caught. 

 My husband and I always go out one night alone. Rule is no kids,  no friends.  Focus on us. It works for us keeps us in tune with one another. 

When we go to Michael's I always request Hinmahtooyah. To say he is a waiter would be entirely wrong. He is our spiritual advisor for the evening. I hadn't seen him in awhile,  we were away a bit, and truly over the summer when in So. Florida in the summer we hibernate.

In the past though I have told my children about the red hand I would be tattooing on my body when my first grandchild was born if I was in the right place in life.  Hinmahtooyah told me the signifance and to my kids shock I have vowed to have this tattoo done when the next generation entered. The problem was though I told them how important it was to me remembering how I felt when I was told,  I honestly couldn't remember the meaning. Enter tonight. Hinmahtooyah went over it again in detail. It has only made stronger my conviction to wear the red hand one day.  Hinmahtooyah waited til he was fifity to put on the tattoo, because he felt at that point he had all the virtues that one required to wear it. They are courage, wisdom, strength, generosity, and honor. Honor he believes takes the longest because we live amongst humans, the hardest species to understand true honor. 

I learn every time I am in his presence. Tonight he was showing us the spiritual way to hug left

 to left... heart to heart  for the energy and spirit exchange. He also invited me to a meditation session Monday evening. I felt so honored,  better believe I will be there. You never know which person's path we will cross with Hinmahtooyah the honor is all mine. 

And years from now hopefully I will feel within my heart all five of the virtues so I too can wear the red hand.   xo Ginny

New Article in Time Magazine please follow link

http://www.time.com/time/photogallery/0,29307,1917925,00.html

Mi Amo Spa's Tofu Scramble

On one of my round birthdays my husband surprised me and took me to a most magical place. Mi Amo Spa in Sedona, Arizona. 

There is a peace there that is intangible,  you breathe deep and feel so light and relaxed from the moment you set foot on the property. At night the sky is so black and the stars so illuminated. 

The Spa is beautiful with a meditation circle that is exquisite. It is dark and other wordly, mystical. You hold hands with those amongst you strangers who you feel such an intimate bond to.  I looked up for a moment to exalt in being there at that given moment in time...and there is my husband at a tiny viewing window making the goofiest faces. I was so stunned out of my serene state!! Laughter though is probably the best thing for the soul!!

The food there is incredible and here is their recipe...

Tofu Scramble

1tsp sesame or olive oil

4 oz shitake mushrooms stemmed and sliced

2 cups firm tofu crumbled

2 green onions chopped

1/4 cup tahini

1 tsp curry powder

2 TBL tamari sauce

4 TBL alfafa sprouts for garnish

Heat a 10 inch skillet over med heat. Add the oil, when it is hot add the mushrooms. Cook stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are softened but not browned, about 3 minutes.

Stir in the tofu, green onions, tahini and curry powder. Cook for 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Stir in the tamari sauce and remove from the heat. If desired, garnish each serving with 1 TBL of sprouts

Bon apetite!!

The cookbook is called A Journey of Taste   (I highly recommend it)    xo Ginny

Lunch with my son Kevin

Last day for Kevin before orientation tomorrow. I am feeling a bit melancholy... Where did the summer go? For our last summer lunch we went to our favorite,  The Icebox on Lincoln Road. To say I eat there on a regular basis is probably an understatement. Of course we all have our quirks. I always look at the menu and then  order the same thing each time. The menu is perfect, great for clean vegetarian eaters as well as for the mainstream.   I think though that the staff is also a big reason I go. I feel like I am dropping in on friends. Today I walked in and my hair for awhile there was probably looking a bit orange from all the summer sun and there is Jackie mentioning my hair looks darker today. I like going to a place so much they notice when I darkened my hair. (oh the little things in life!) 

Erica ( Jackie's girlfriend and my other favorite)   is so patient,  I always like to discuss the menu going over the options even though we both know what I am going to order. No I don't know them outside Icebox but they feel like good friends just the same. They are part of my world.

 You might think I forgot Kevin in all this ordering but no I was laughing as he points to my kale and cucumbers and asks how is your avocado and lettuce? I keep trying... We had a great lunch but the best part was going home and having my son say thanks mom,  love being with you. What greater joy is there than that. If summer has to end at least it ends with me just wishing for more... not a bad way to live.  xo Ginny

Blueberries...

Blueberries and strawberries are the key to living a long and healthy life. 

As it turns out these 2 fruits particulary blueberries are among natures most powerful antioxidant compounds.  According to a recent laboratory analysis of 40 fruits and vegetables by the US Dept of Agriculture. 

Antioxidants work by neutralizing unstable free radicals - oxygen molecules that can be produced by environmental pollutants as well as the body's own metabolism. It is believed by eating a diet rich in antioxidants it may be possible to prevent cancer, heart disease and other ailments.

They are super vitamins filld with dozens of other disease-preventing substances.

(article courtesy of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)    xo Ginny

Family Dinners

Believe it or not my family doesn't always listen to me. Well actually I guess we could say it is probably a fairly frequent occurence of late.  As the family testerone levels only get to be more of a presence each year. The 4 boys get taller, the muscles and pecs are an ongoing discussion and if you've had dinner at my house you might have witnessed this wild scene that erupts from time to time. The boys start having a discussion on how much they are benching, pressing whatever...in just another moment as there is the break from salad to the main course there are at least two down on the floor doing push ups to see whose form is better. Before you can blink your eyes their shirts are off showing off pecs. It goes on until I either leave the room or better yet start showing my 6 pack. To them that is disgusting that their mother also might possibly have muscles. Dinner resumes...

Interesting as they grow older and care more about their strength they have started to be interested in what foods can help them get stronger and healthier. No longer am I preaching to an empty audience (well sometimes). I know I am getting places when my son came home from a trip with friends and said what he missed most was healthy organic foods.  Progress step by step now if only I could get them to eat brussel sprouts

Fish Oil Rivals Antidepressants in Clinical Trial

This blog is taken from information from the Vital Choices newsletter.

( I recommend everyone check out their site. Incredible organic and wild food items)

Clinical trials are now confirming that omega 3 fish oil decreases and helps with depression.

Fish oil trials were done on participants with major depression, who could not tolerate anti- depressants, who refused them despite medical recommendation or who were not helped by the drugs.  The Fish Oil had overwhelming results. More clinical trials are continuously ongoing all generating very positive results.

On another note people with ADD or ADHD also seem to be helped dramatically by taking fish oils. Their focus seems to be greatly enhanced.  

Supplementation is great (if  you are unsure what dosage or type please contact me for help) as well as eating large amounts of omega 3's. Salmon is the food most people turn to when looking for their omegas but other great sources are are hemp seed and flax seed oil.

Hemp seeds are the only known food that contain the exact ratio of essential fatty acids. (one part omega 3 to three parts omega 6) Flax seeds and flax oil provide therapeutic quantities of omega 3, yet hemp seeds provide a long term stable source of omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9. 

Easiest way to integrate hemp seeds is to add them to your smoothies, protein shakes, yogurt and fruit, or sprinkle over a salad.  Easily available at any health store or Whole Foods. 

xo  Ginny

Jenna's Journey

How does one begin a journey?

This is the story of my niece Jenna, a dynamic 25 year old living in Miami, Florida who lost her way for awhile there.

 Jenna's mom lost her battle to breast cancer and left deep pain, wounds, unresolved issues and mostly a beautiful girl deprived of a woman who loved her deeply but died too young. The pain is deep and for Jenna it was too much to deal with. As with many people  who have had a traumatic life event  Jenna turned to food. It was where she sought comfort. Her weight just kept ballooning,  yet we never talked about it. It was the big white elephant sitting in the room that everyone pretends is not there. 

To be honest it was easiest to say nothing. To pretend all is well...not to delve too deeply. I was just hoping with time and love Jenna would turn her health around on her own. Unfortunately this became too overpowering a battle.

 

watch for Jenna's journey          xo Ginny

  

 

 

Holistic Perceptive on Cancer and Nutrition

Phytochemicals are being studied for the prevention and/or treatment of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and cancer. They also provide protection for suppressing, retarding, even reversing not just illness but also the effects of stressful contemporary living.

The spotlight is on resveratrol, anthocyanin, and quercetin.

Resveratrol has strong evidence backing it that it is a powerful protectant against cancer especially of the GI tract , skin and colon. Supplementation is needed to reach the amounts recommended. It is found in the skins of red grapes and red wine.

Anthocyanin is being studied as an inhibitor of esphagus and colon cancers. Studies are showing that anthocyanin kills human cancer cells while not affecting healthy ones. Food that contains this powerful antioxidant are blackberries, black currants, cherries, eggplants, blue grapes, red cabbage and black rasberries. Again supplementation is needed as well.

Quercetin is a phytochemical, it has been linked to the prevention and treatment of cancer, prostatitis, heart disease, cataracts, allergies, inflammation and respiratory diseases. Foods rich in quercetin include capers, apples, tea, onions, red grapes, citrus fruits, broccoli, cherries, rasberries and cranberries.

In all cases the best way to great health is through our nutrition. We must strive to put these antioxidants into  our systems. Food gives us so much control over our health. 

When you reach for junk food you have lost an opportunity to feed yourself  health, wellbeing and vitality. Think carefully of what you feed yourself.  Supplement to make sure you are proactive against diseases, We should all eat as many colors as possible per day. Eat organically, eat mindfully.   xo Ginny

From Slow Foods

How is it in the middle of the 21st century with all the modern conveniences afforded us we still don't have time to do something everyone had time for in the 20th century...Preparing a good homecooked meal. Yes it takes a little more time than the drive-thru but we must recognize the value of preparing the foods.

The hidden costs of all this cheap food are becoming more and more visible as we witness the bizarre inversion of our spending habits. We spend, on average less than any other country in the world on food as a percentage of income, and more than any other on health care. Maybe we should stop looking at price for a moment and start examining cost.

In America, if we are what we eat, most of us are fast, cheap and easy. We should aspire to be more, and gathering the family around the table is the best way. Get the family involved in the preparation, do it so often that it's no longer an unusual thing in your house. It'll beat the drive-thru every time because it has the best ingredient: love.

xo Ginny

Interesting starting a business

I am going to share my thoughts not about the logistics, problems or joys just the quirks and surprises in dealing with those around me as I am putting this together.
Lets take my four sons to begin. Great kids all, we are blessed; but try as I might to get them to open my website...the excuses you would have thought it was a homework assignment. Of course I don't have to worry about them seeing this blog. Forget that. As a matter of fact I am pretty safe in terms of my husband as well. He of course does not get off so easy. I read them to him each time, though I think I will skip this one. He did decide though that I needed a business manager and he was perfect for the job. I expressed concern and told him he needed a formal interview. My business manager had to be a little bit more of a go with the flow personality. No constraints, no holding me back, and I should be able to lose money first without worrying and just have some fun to get it off the ground. Steve is very organized and likes things in neat order. Now that I want him, not sure whether he is taking the job. Pretty sure I can negotiate this one.
My parents are so excited for me but they are away in North Carolina and keep calling me to let me know there is a problem with the website. The print is too small. I have asked them if they are wearing their glasses, but they believe perhaps it is a problem with their computer. Personally I won't go there especially as the problem seems to be disapating...every morning I open my site to see this sweet woman has signed up for all my classes. Ellie Aibel, my mom. Same message each day...I am so proud of you your ever lovin Mom. Pretty adorable isn't she?

Random thoughts

Saving the anti oxidant blog for the next one. Instead I have some random thoughts I feel like sharing. 

Let me know if you like my e mail blast that you will receive early next week. So excited to see Mindful coming to fruition. I have been talking and living with the thought of opening this business for so long. I always wondered how to bring about my passion of organic living, my yogi spiritual side, my love of cooking and entertaining. It took this year for it to form...My son Michael and I were walking the beach after school early this fall. He seemed to have a lot of free  time the early part of his senior year and I felt honored we hung out a lot. He was talking about his future plans and it hit me at that moment. My identity had always been so caught up in being the mom of my 4 boys. I felt like very shortly within 5 years when Kevin my youngest left I would be obsolete. I really felt empty for awhile there and then Mindful Organics just came to me with a knowledge that this is was I am supposed to be doing. Even the name just came. Mindful Organics...  live your life with mindfulness and also  mindful of what we put in our beautiful systems. It will be a joy to share with you... truly  a privilige.   xo Ginny

A simple question...why organic

Why you wonder am I choosing to ask why organic when my website covers this topic? It is the hot topic of our times the doorway to our health. The importance cannot be said often enough or loud enough. 

Organic fruits and vegetables carry more nutrients, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. They are grown without chemical pesticides. They have no growth hormones, or  antibiotics. Organic products cannot contain artificial ingredients. Organic food is so much cleaner that they keep our systems running smoother, our organs do not need to overwork removing toxins. Our weight is easier to maintain when food is digested without distress caused by foreign substances that our beautiful bodies are just not equipped to handle. We gain that glow of radiance, as if the clean pristine way of eating, becomes a badge of honor, that our bodies and skin display. I invite you to a most beautiful way of life. 

xo  Ginny

Dietitians take flexible stance on vegetarianism

The Miami Herald ran an article that I believe makes a good point on moving into a healthier lifestyle. 

The article by Jennifer LaRue Huget gives advice that makes great sense.   It talks about the fact that when people realize how much actual control they have over their own life, including their own health, feeling of well-being, and even the way their skin looks-through their diets, they find vegetarianism very empowering.

It goes on to quote Dawn Jackson Blatner author of the Flexitarian Diet, as giving the advice that meat eaters do not have to go cold turkey: rather they should use meat as a condiment as they do in Asian cultures. Instead of filling half your plate with animal protein  fill it primarily with vegetables and grains. They are mostly made of  fiber which will make you far healthier.

Remember there are so many grains out there to try. Perhaps You might want to buy the cookbook The Splendid Grain. It will show you how to prepare those you are not familiar with yet. 

If you would like more of a teaching lesson I welcome the chance to meet with you and give you a private or group lesson. I am just an e mail away!

xo  Ginny

Nirvana

As I mentioned in my blog yesterday I was so happy to be home to be eating on my own. Actually juiced for breakfast and lunch. Kale, celery, ginger, beets and apple. I would have continued and been very happy except life got in the way. Namely my husband Steve. He is definitely not into juicing for dinner, not sure why he can't,  but it is an absolute not going there for him. Since we didn't have plans and I wanted to skip dinner I was trying my old trick of angling for a movie right at dinner time. He was obstinate tonight and I soon found myself sitting in our favorite spot the Bar at Sardinias. It is our local sexy, cool upscale italian  restaurant where when it is the two of us we sit at the bar for dinner. It is at these barstools that we have the best of conversations. Our friend Katie (who we know from our very frequent visits) always welcomes us with warmth. I have to tell you at that moment it truly felt like we had been roughing it in the Bahamas and couldn't wait to eat our type of food. Fish,  and veggies. Though I feel the stirrings of my vegan side coming forth. It happens that way for me. I realized then that my husband has traveled a long road with me as he continuously said how he missed his clean food. This from my midwestern boy. I guess if you want to eat in my house and you don't cook surrendering might be the best idea. Until the lifestyle enfolds you and nirvana truly becomes sitting at the barstool at Sardinia enjoying the healthy side. Now if only I can get him to Om Garden...

xo  Ginny

Home to my organic life

Hi,

Well we had a fantastic time in Treasure Cay it is in the Abaco chain of islands. Very beautiful, very remote. I look forward to this trip every year. It is my families true down time, with 4 sons, 21 in a couple of weeks, 18, 16 and 15 it is where we truly just hang out. Boat, dive, snorkle and swim what I call the organic simple side of life. There is only one problem with this beautiful picture and it is pretty major for me! I miss my food. You are allowed to take into the Bahamas enough protein to feed your family for the amount of time you are there but no produce of any kind. Well the market situation is pretty dismal, just the local Golden Harvest or 27 miles away a larger supermarket that has a better selection of fruits and vegetables but again not much and nothing organic. Well I must admit and hope the proper authorities don't see this or if they do they forget by next year, I sneak food in, just never enough it seems. I always sweat just a bit as I do this but realize for me it feels like a necessity. An occasional sock gets unfolded only to find an avocado rolling forth, the scene repeats with each garment my family puts on. They groan, I smile with joy...  another fruit or veggie found. I enjoy myself greatly the first couple of days until the supplies of mine start to dwindle and I realize I am not relishing the sight as much as I should, of my sons downing all the grilled asparagus in a contest of who eats it the fastest. The greens start getting wilted, I imagine myself turning a bit orange under my tan from all the carrots and sweet potatoes I seem to have a profusion of.

It is Friday the day we are leaving and I know a new couch is home waiting for me to see, but all I can think about is whole foods can I get there tonight? The aisles of produce are calling to me in all their colors and splendor.    

xo  Ginny

How to begin...

Sometimes one just grows into a new concept or direction without too much conscious thought. Other times it is a conscious decision. 

For me the organic way of life began pretty slowly over a course of time. For my dear friend Stevie life changed pretty quickly with a serious health scare. 

It can also become just part of who you are. My husband, Steve,  is so happy on what he calls his organic Saturdays. Not driving his car anywhere, exercising by biking the causeways, or while he could playing tennis at Flamingo Park. He loves to meet friends for dinner at a restaurant we can walk to. Yes,  a little casual at times as we walk  in,  flip flops in tow. It makes Steve feel he is doing his part to tread a little softer. Is it every Saturday?  I wish I could say it is, but as in many things in life you make adjustments. The boys still need to get to their team practices, and I still am drawn to the organic market in Coconut Grove on Saturdays. 

When it works though...it is a most beautiful Saturday.

 The idea is to head in the organic direction  at ones own pace. Perhaps it is just recognizing that when there are two varieties of Driscoll strawberries reach for the organic one. Perhaps you check out vitalchoice.com for organic wild salmon,  the difference in price will be so worthwhile  as you feel healthier in mind and body.  

(FYI:organic produce begins with a #9,  conventional #4)

xo Ginny

To Supplement or not? Focus today is on Zinc.

First, let me recommend highly a book I constantly refer to.

 The Real Vitamin and Mineral Book.

By Shari Lieberman and Nancy Bruning. 

Supplements are a necessity for staying young and healthy. We don't have to look at the coming years with dread but instead look forward to staying  strong in mind, body, and spirit.  Supplementing allows you to fight diseases that we have  often just come to accept.

 An example of a powerful tool is zinc. This essential mineral is naturally found in every cell of our body. When we supplement with additional  zinc the benefits are enormous, some but not all are... immune system boosting, acceleration of wound healing, promotion of ovulation and fertilization,  prevention of cancer, helps decrease cholesterol deposits leading to less build up in our arteries, great for hair and skin including acne.  (Before you put your teenagers on prescription antibiotics for their troubled skin try zinc) Zinc detoxifies lead, aluminum, mercury and other toxins. In this day and age with all the pesticides in our soil, and mercury in our fish it is important to understand how supplements such as zinc  strenghen us. 

 This is just a highlight on one mineral please watch my blog as I explain all different vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. 

xo  Ginny